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Willie Nelson making birthday bash a West, Texas benefit concert

Willie Nelson is making plans to support the community he calls his "backyard" with a show at The Backyard. Nelson was born and raised in Abbott, Texas - less than ten miles away from the small community of West, where a massive fertilizer plant explosion claimed several lives Wednesday night.

The country legend was already scheduled to perform at The Backyard in Austin, Texas on April 28th at a show that was slated to be a big bash for his birthday two days later. But Willie tells "CMT Hot 20 Countdown" that in light of the West tragedy, he and his band have "decided to start a benefit there and let other people join in."

Nelson adds that he'll be giving the money he makes from the show to the West Volunteer Fire Department. He says the other participants won't be obligated to make a similar donation, but they certainly "can do so."

Additional performers and other details on the benefit haven't been announced yet, but will be posted at WillieNelson.com. His website also has information on how to help out with Red Cross donations of money, blood, food, and other goods.